Avoiding Oral Infection During Cancer Treatment

Posted October 18, 2017.

Were you just diagnosed with cancer? We offer our sincerest sympathy, and we want to help you get the best care. If you are resolute in your determination to overcome your condition, you’ll want to know all of the facts, including how cancer affects your mouth and what you can do to ensure that it’s healthy.

While chemotherapy is usually the most effective cancer treatment around, it also weakens your immune system. This can influence your entire body, including your mouth. Your oral cavity will be more vulnerable to infection. It may also damage your salivary glands and dry out your mouth, further increasing your chance of cavities and infection.

Chemotherapy is difficult enough; you don’t need other stressors. That’s why it’s best to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible before your treatment starts. Here’s what you can do:

– Visit San Tomas Signature Smiles: Book your semiannual professional oral exam and cleaning with Dr. Ramin Moradi a month or two before your cancer treatments begin. That will give us time to take care of any other needed oral treatments, like a filling or gum disease procedure. Don’t be afraid to tell us that you are preparing for chemotherapy so that we can accommodate your needs accordingly.

– Keep up Oral Hygiene: You may not feel well, but try to be consistent in brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every night. These two small habits will go a long way toward keeping your mouth healthy.